Crazy hair day

I love that I get to share these precious moments with my kids at school. Van was so excited to be able to wear his hair this way.

Done, Done at last

Hats off to all of you who have run a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles), or full marathon (26.2 miles). Man oh man was that the hardest self motivating thing I have done, EVER! I am glad I did it, and glad it is done. I now have a time frame to work towards for my race in April. Thanks so much to all of you who have expressed your support, and encouragement. And thanks to my two lady friends who committed to do this task with me, I will forever be grateful.

Viewer discretion advised

Here is my oldest son getting his first stitches. I fear this will not be the first time. Van was tubing down at the school (it was a tube someone gave them at the playground - we do not own tubes because of things like this.) He ran into the basketball stand and busted his head open.

Luckily Gary was available to help out with this incident. This is a picture after the stitching. Van was so brave and didn't make a sound while he was getting fixed up with 14 (I think) stitches.

Five days later it is time for the stitches to come out. I think he is nervous.

Grandpa at work. Thanks to Dr. Grandpa and Nurse Nana for staying calm and helping us (Van and mom) stay calm.

Here is Van telling his story.

10 down, 13.1 to go

Today was the last long run I did before my 13.1 mile race next weekend. All went well, except for the nasty cold weather, my training schedule says I should be able to go the whole 13.1 with out any problems. For those of you who keep saying "how do you even get to a point where you can run 10 miles?" Here is the site I used, loved, and will use again www.halhigdon.com it is a 12 week program that incorporates running, strength training, and stretching - LOVED IT!
AND I finally feel like I can call myself a runner with having a half marathon under my belt, and one planned for the future.

I can't even stand it

As my boys grow older they have new things that make me want to cry. I remember crying when Van started sounding out words when he was 4 almost 5. I remember watching Finn go from hardly any talking to jabber jaws. Now as they continue to make progress in every way possible, tears are leaking out of my eyes regularly.
Van is learning to roll with the punches (his wining has been happening less and less - not gone yet, but less). I can see Finn growing in all the ways he needs to, striving to be ready for kindergarten next year.
This week has been a lot of craziness with kids going here and there, being picked up by Shannon, and Aaron while mom gets to stay late and school and tend to her other kids.
Tonight I came home to a fantastic inventive surprise. Van created a potion for me to see. Not only that but he included (in his new journal from the book fair) the recipe for this secret potion. Once again the tears are streaming -

I truly can not stand how cute and ... there are no words for how much I love being their mom!

Look at this

Look what I came across as I was cleaning out my files on my school computer.
SO LONG AGO! Doesn't quite seem complete without Finny.

A ya

Van has shown an interest in Karate. We have discussed it is not a sport you get to run and goof around while in session. This is a little clip of his first trial run - part of the reason we have decided to put Van into karate is because of his overexcited personality that keeps him from staying focused at school. It has been less than 24 hours and I have already seen him trying to have the mind of a karate kid. This karate school I took him to has 3 rules (sweet, sweet rules):

1. Obey your parents

2. Keep your room clean

3. No fighting

What more could you ask for?